How to Adjust a Lexus ES 330's Headlight Aim
by Matt ScheerThe Lexus ES 330's headlight assemblies have two adjustment screws for the lateral and vertical aim of the headlights. These screws are hidden within the rear of the headlight assembly, but holes on top of the assembly allow you to access them without having to take apart extraneous components of the car. This is good news for anyone whose Lexus ES 330 headlights are misaligned, providing poor road visibility and potentially blinding other drivers.
Step 1
Park your Lexus ES 330 directly in front of a garage door or other flat vertical surface.
Step 2
Place a horizontal and vertical strip of tape in a cross shape on the wall directly in front of each headlight. These act as targets for the headlight beams.
Step 3
Measure 25 feet away from the wall and place some tape on that point on the ground. Reverse your Lexus so that the front of your ES 330 is directly above this strip of tape. Turn on your headlights and prop open the hood.
Step 4
Look for the two plastic grommets that cover the access holes to the adjustment screws on each headlight assembly. Pry these grommets off by using a flat-head screwdriver as a wedge if you cannot get them off with your fingers.
Step 5
Stick a 10mm socket wrench through the openings revealed when you took off the grommets. Twist the socket wrench to adjust the horizontal and vertical adjustment screws, changing the direction of the headlight beams. Aim the beams so that the centers of the beams land 2 inches below the horizontal portions of the tape crosses and in the centers of the vertical strips of tape on the wall or garage door.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual: Toyota Camry, Avalon, Solara, Lexus ES300/330 2002-2005"; John Haynes; 2006
Things You'll Need
- Tape
- 25- or 30-foot tape measure
- Flat-head screwdriver
- 10mm socket wrench
Writer Bio
Matt Scheer began writing professionally in 2005. His work has appeared in "The Daily Texan" and "The New York Tribune." Scheer holds a B.A. in English and a B.A. in history, both from the University of Texas. He is also a certified Yoga teacher and Web designer.
